The Royal Air Force and the Classic Mini, two very British and iconic legends in our country. Their existence both immortalised not only in the history books but also in the movies. The heroics of the Royal Air Force made legend across world due to movies like The Battle of Britain, The Dambusters and The Great Escape. Britain’s most loved car, the Mini made famous by the movie, The Italian Job. But what made this little car so very popular is it’s unmistakable appearance, those round headlights and that cheeky front grille. Back in 1959 the Mini was the brainchild of a genius designer, Sir Alex Issigonis. The Mini looked like no other car, known and recognised for so many achievements the Mini has become a motoring icon, acknowledged for its pioneering concept, economy of use, sports handling, the star of many films and the winner of countless rallies and races.

These two very different stars in history have had a connection as far back as the late 50s, and the birth of the Mini. With it being renowned for its ability on the racetrack, the Mini provided a cheaper alternative to the multi million pound adrenalin rush of piloting in the RAF. Motorsport has always been encouraged in the armed forces along with many other sports. Usually a competitive sport of the rich, the Mini opened the gates to all ranks of the RAF making it even more popular. The Motorsport enthusiasm still exists today with the Mini, classic and new shape playing a strong role on the track.

The practicality and simplicity of the Mini also made it very useful around the station. Mechanical Transport soon adopted it into their fleet of vehicles, including the saloon and van variants and seen in roles from the execs personal transport to being the general dogs body of the squadron.

Reds Flying High

On the beat

The Mini was used by the RAF Police when patrolling the airfields.

Vulcan to the skies

Used by the engineers, the aircraft would often be on the other side of the airfield. The Mini was the perfect vehicle for scooting round the perimeter tract, many of which have become famous race circuits.

Mechanical Transport

The Mini was often painted in the same colours as the rest of the Mechanical Transport fleet. Olive Drab green with a yellow stripe and the words Royal Air Force cut into it.

Lightning scramble

The nimble Mini would be used by pilots on standby to race to the aircraft before taking to the skies.

Squadron dogs body

Officer Commanding

Patrolling the skies and the roads

Battle Damage Repair

Track time

The Mini was adopted by many pilots looking for an adventure not in the skies but on the track.